Arsenal kicked off the new year in style with a solid 5-0 win over Crystal Palace in the WSL. With Renee Slegers now officially head coach, the Gunners got off to a flying start as Leah Williamson tapped in from a Katie McCabe corner. The game then slowed down, with both sides creating a few chances but struggling to find the back of the net. Things changed after the break when Caitlin Foord came on for Frida Maanum, and Arsenal started clicking. Alessia Russo tapped in a crucial second goal before Beth Mead finished off a great team move to make it three. Mariona Caldentey added a late penalty, saw a sure goal blocked by her own teammate, but eventually wrapped things up deep into injury time. A convincing win that keeps Arsenal in the race with Chelsea—who cruised past West Ham—and level with both Manchester clubs.
What were the results of this weekend?
- Liverpool vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (2 – 1)
- Everton vs. Aston Villa (1 – 1)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leicester City (1 – 0)
- Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (5 – 0)
- West Ham United vs. Chelsea (0 – 5)
- Manchester City vs. Manchester United (2 – 4)
The Women’s Football Blog game of the weekend
This weekend’s Women’s Football Blog game of the weekend featured Manchester City and Manchester United. Ella Toone stole the show with a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United shocked rivals Manchester City with a 4-2 win in the Women’s Super League. Toone had never scored against City before, but she changed that in style at the Etihad. Two first-half goals from Toone, plus Leah Galton’s tap-in, put United in charge after a shaky start from City. The hosts fought back through Vivianne Miedema and Rebecca Knaak, setting up a tense second half. But Toone sealed her treble just seconds after the break, capitalizing on a costly mistake by City keeper Khiara Keating. From there, United held firm to claim a massive win, leapfrogging their rivals in the table.
